Christmas in USA

US is a huge country with an incredibly diverse culture, traditions and customs. Not surprisingly, this diversity in traditions and customs is well reflected in the Christmas celebration in the country. However with the passage of time, Christmas in US has acquired a distinct identity that is typically American.

As far as Christmas celebration in US is concerned, British flovour rule the roost. But other communities who have settled in US in due course of time celebrate Christmas in their own way.

America is the home of Santa Claus. The transfer of Father Christmas to Santa took place in America. Santa Claus has existed in many forms for many centuries. The history of Santa Claus traces its origin in the 3rd century AD when he was associated with a man called Saint Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor, present day in Turkey. Legend has it that Saint Nicholas was famous for his charity and wisdom.

The popularity of St Nicholas reached the shores of America by the 18th century with the Dutch families, who knew him as 'Sinter Klaas', which later got transformed to 'Santa Claus'. Pictures of a plump and kindly Santa Claus were first drawn by cartoonist Thomas Nast in the 1860s. From then this image of Santa Claus has become ingrained in the minds of the people throughout the world.
People in US use pop-corn threaded on string to help decorate their Christmas Tree.
In New England which comprises the American States of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, there are shops called 'Christmas Shops' are found round the year and only sell Christmas decorations and toys.
Americans also like to decorate the outsides of their houses with lights and sometimes even statues of Father Christmas, Reindeer and Snowmen.

Christmas in USA

Christmas in UK

Christmas in Europe